Jesus' Peace

Day 16 matthew 5:9


“Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.”

Sometimes when we read the “beatitudes”, we toss them off as unrealistic, or unattainable in this life.  We think Jesus is just presenting an idealistic reality, but doesn’t really seriously think we can do what he is teaching. We normally think of “peacemakers” as government officials, who negotiate peace treaties, or try to avert violence. And while that is certainly important, I believe Jesus has something else in mind. As we have been saying, Jesus is teaching that this way of life is available to those who live in the kingdom.  Though it is not our nature to be “peacemakers”, as we are, we will be called children of God. Meaning when we bring peace to a situation, we are acting as ambassadors for God. We are showing the world what God is really like.  Jesus said to his disciples, “My peace I give you, not as the world gives.” So, peace is a gift of God, and also one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. All worldly peace is temporary, but God gives us eternal peace. So how can we be peacemakers? Do we bring the peace to the situations we find ourselves in? E.g. An argument, where everyone is gossiping, or a fight where someone needs to step in and break up.  We can be a peacemaker every day in whatever situation we find ourselves.


Jesus, you came to bring peace to the world. Help us to be your peace that the world does not know. Amen. 

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